Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, has lifted the suspension of Professor Nnamdi Chinwendu Nwaeze, a lecturer in the Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences, nearly three weeks after the university management suspended him over controversial social media remarks.
In a letter dated September 3, 2026, with reference number ABSU/REG/26/87, and signed by the Acting Registrar, Dr (Mrs.) Joy Nwankwo, the university informed Professor Nwaeze that his suspension had been lifted with immediate effect.
The letter, titled “Lifting of Suspension,” referred to an earlier communication dated August 12, 2026, and stated that the decision followed a written plea from the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Abia State University branch (ASUU-ABSU).
“Following a written plea from ASUU-ABSU, the University Management hereby lifts your suspension effective immediately,” the letter stated.
However, the university made it clear that the decision did not amount to the termination of the investigation into the matter. According to the letter, the lifting of the suspension was “without prejudice to the extant investigative panel on you,” whose final report was still being awaited.
Reacting to the development, Professor Nwaeze described the lifting of his suspension as a temporary victory, thanking colleagues, friends, ASUU members and other supporters who, according to him, stood by him during what he described as a difficult period.
In a statement titled “Lifting of My Suspension: A Greek Gift to Retreat But No Surrender,” Nwaeze said the intervention of his supporters had contributed significantly to the decision to reverse the suspension.
He expressed appreciation to those who resisted what he described as “tyranny, oppression, suppression” and a politically motivated suspension.
“Let me start by lavishly thanking every one of you who stood to be counted when it mattered most and resisted tyranny, oppression, suppression, and my politically premeditated suspension on the 12th of August, 2026,” he said.
The professor argued that the wording of the university’s recall letter suggested that his ordeal was not necessarily over because the investigative panel established to examine the matter remained active.
According to him, the decision to lift the suspension could represent only a temporary reprieve rather than a complete resolution of the controversy.
Nwaeze alleged that the development could have been influenced by the pressure mounted by ASUU-ABSU, particularly in the context of an ultimatum issued by the union.
He described the decision as a “Greek gift,” alleging that it could provide the university authorities with additional time to continue searching for grounds upon which further disciplinary action could be taken against him.
He nevertheless stressed that he was prepared to cooperate with any legitimate investigation.
While acknowledging that he was not infallible and could not claim to be above scrutiny, Nwaeze maintained that he had not committed any offence or professional misconduct in the course of his service to the university and society.
“I am in no way unblemished or infallible, neither am I above investigations that are well-intended and properly constituted,” he said. “It is my conviction that I have not committed any offence or misconduct in my services to Abia State University and by extension, society.”
He further alleged that his difficulties had been politically motivated, claiming that he had faced several investigative panels over the past two to three years but had not been indicted by any of them.
According to him, rather than resolving the disagreements surrounding his activities and public engagements, the situation eventually culminated in his suspension.
Nwaeze called on Governor Alex Otti to ensure that those he described as overzealous elements within the machinery of government or university administration did not use their positions to persecute him.
He, however, acknowledged the governor’s efforts concerning the welfare of staff of Abia State University, saying he had consistently advocated improved conditions for university workers.
He also expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for what he described as the “momentary milestone” of lifting his suspension, while stressing that he believed further steps were necessary to ensure fairness and justice.
The professor insisted that his public engagements on governance and other topical national and state issues had remained within the bounds of civility and respect.
He said he had never deliberately insulted, defamed or maligned Governor Otti personally or attacked the office of the governor.
Nwaeze also rejected any suggestion that the lifting of his suspension would force him into silence.
He declared that he would resist any attempt to intimidate, victimize, malign or pressure him into abandoning his views or public advocacy.
“I will stoutly resist every attempt to intimidate, hoodwink, malign, victimize, or cow me into silence and oblivion,” he said, adding that he possessed the “legal, mental, and moral fortitude” to defend his reputation and integrity.
He also disclosed concerns about his personal safety, particularly in and around the university and Abia State, saying he was not oblivious to what he described as threats arising from the controversy.
Nwaeze said he was taking lawful measures to protect himself and preserve his safety.
His statement contained several Igbo expressions reflecting his determination to remain resilient despite the circumstances. Among them was “Chinwendum! Ịshi Nwaeze adịghị efu la mba,” which conveyed his resolve and determination not to be defeated.
The lecturer maintained that he was not the aggressor in the dispute but insisted that he would defend himself against what he described as politically motivated threats.
He further appealed to his supporters to remain vigilant while he considered his options following the university’s decision.
Nwaeze reserved particular praise for the leadership of ASUU-ABSU, led by Dr. Chidi Slessor Mba, as well as members of the union’s congress.
He credited the union with demonstrating solidarity and unity during his suspension, describing their support as significant to the eventual lifting of the disciplinary measure.
“As we used to say, united we stand, divided we beg,” he said, thanking the ASUU-ABSU leadership and members for standing with him.
The controversy surrounding Nwaeze had attracted considerable public attention following his social media activities and the university’s decision to suspend him on August 12, 2026.
The latest development means that the professor has resumed his duties, but the university’s September 3 letter makes clear that the investigative process has not been concluded.
The university’s position therefore leaves open the possibility of further administrative action depending on the findings and recommendations of the investigative panel.
For Nwaeze, however, the lifting of the suspension represents an important, albeit incomplete, victory. While he welcomed the development, his statement made clear that he remains deeply concerned about what he regards as attempts to silence his voice.
He has consequently adopted a posture of caution and vigilance, while maintaining that his commitment to speaking on issues of governance, public accountability and social development remains unchanged.
The immediate challenge now lies in what the investigative panel ultimately recommends and how the university management responds to its report.
Until then, Professor Nwaeze remains reinstated, but with the disciplinary matter still technically unresolved.
Ending his statement on a defiant note, the professor declared that he would not surrender his principles or allow the controversy to destroy his reputation.
“God is with us,” he said, concluding with the rallying expression, “Oku gbawa!”
